Frying — Effect of coating on crust microstructure, color, and texture of lean meat portions

Skinless, deboned chicken breast fillets were deep fat fried (190 °C) with and without a batter and breading coating system for up to 6 min (internal temp 70 °C). Non-coated samples show surface muscle fiber splitting as soon as placed in oil. As time progressed, the depth of damage increased. Shear force and work to shear increased significantly as a dense hard crust layer was forming. By the end, fillets lost about 1/3 of their weight and had a dark, dry, brittle crust. Frying with coating protected the meat inside and no major damages to muscle fibers were observed. Shear force also increased but the values were about half of what was observed in non-coated products, meaning that the meat inside was protected. Coated products became progressively golden brown (increased a* and b*, decreased L*) while the crust adhered well to the product. After frying, the products showed a small gain in weight which was the result of no structural shrinkage and absorption of a small amount of oil.